looking to buy a trail cam

[ThomMedic]

Are there any recommendations for a camera? What features should I be looking for, avoiding the expensive nice to have stuff.

Thanks

[h20hunter]

Bushnell.  Done.

[vandeman17]

Bushnell.  Done.

That's all I run. Simple and reliable.

[Stein]

I am probably the most novice cam user, I have exactly three days of cam usage under my belt.  That said, I am now looking to buy more and here is what I am looking for:

1.  Range, particularly at night.  The cheapie 5 year old cam I was given has a pretty short range both day and night.  Unless you set up right on a trail, it won't pick up something 30 yards away.
2.  Multi modes.  Mine has a trail mode, plot mode and combo mode.  I really like being able to monitor an entire meadow by setting it to take a pic every 5 minutes as well as trigger shots independently when something is up close.  Unfortunately, due to the IR range, the night plot shots are worthless.
3.  Security.  It seems like most metal boxes are made to fit either a specific model or multi model generic types.  Unfortunately, I haven't found a decent box that has a tubular style lock, they all seem to rely on a padlock or cable that are easily cut even with modest size cutters that are easy to carry in the field.  You can get drill resistant tubular style locks for a pretty affordable price, so I can't figure out why I haven't been able to find a better option.
4.  Cost.  I plan on having some stolen, probably just the way it will end up.  I want to get 6-10 for as affordable of a price as I can trading cost for features and MP quality.  I basically only need to know if bull(s) are there and what time they come and go. 

[yakimanoob]

I have a Bushnell Trophy HD Essentials E3. 

Highly recommended. 

[Elkcollector82]

I have stealthcam and bushnell. Stealthcam outshines bushnell on the audio end and the trigger distance. But the stealthcam comes with a bigger price tag. I have nothing bad to say about bushnell. Other then I wish the audio and trigger distance was a little better. Both have great picture and video quality. If it helps I have more bushnell cams over stealthcams. Price and quality you just can’t beat.

 I don’t use lock boxes. Only use a padlock to secure the sd card and a cable to keep it attached to tree from bears. If some A-hole comes along and wants my cam a lock box isn’t gonna stop them. Plus why carry the extra weight into backcountry. That’s just my 

[Katmai Guy]

Cuddeback, great photos and video,

[NOCK NOCK]

Another vote for Bushnell. Trophys are good, Aggressors way better. You can usually find the aggressors on sale for $100.

@Stein   Curious what a tubular style lock is? Like a hitch stinger lock?

[3nails]

 I'll throw a vote in for Browning Strike Force. My cams are out all year and the Brownings out last, out perform all the others. And I've tried a bunch.

[wheels]

moiultire A-7i or 30

[ThomMedic]

Everyone, thanks a lot.

[bullcanyon]

I found 8 moultrie a-30 cams for $54 each at rogers this spring. No issues running them all summer long. What ever you get make sure it takes AA batteries.

[Mudball]

I am not a fan of the Bushnell's, not built for westside rain. Mine only lasted a few months. Got water in them, they were done. The Moultrie have a much better case's with no opening on the tops. 

[quadrafire]

I'd keep my eye open for some slightly used ones for sale (case damage will be the only problem). There are plenty stolen each year that will probably be hitting the market

[PolarBear]

Ford